Mrs. Smith's Classroom Edit display name

Past projects 6

• Learning Through Technology

  Funded Jan 30, 2022

  Thank you for the Spheros. My class loves them. Through them we are learning to code and so much more. Through Spheros my students learn how to problem solve. For example, when one Sphero hits another, or it hits another object, the aim goes off slightly. Students then need to know how to reset the aim. Right now students are learning how to adjust the speed in order to maintain accuracy. Once we have these skills down, my students will begin to use a simple block code to complete certain tasks.

  Overall there is a great excitement in my class when they know that we are working with Spheros. Thank you so very much.”

  With gratitude,

  Mrs. Smith

  This classroom project was brought to life by Utah State Board of Education.

• Enhanced Programming Through Sphero

  Funded Aug 13, 2019

  My students love Spheros! They were so excited to learn about the new accessories we were able to purchase through Donors Choose.

  I am currently teaching a class of very active first graders in a gifted and talented magnet program. These are students who have been bored in school. Spheros make learning fun and exciting. They are learning computer programming skills and reasoning skills that they will need in the future. The funny thing is, they don't think of this a a learning activity because it is so engaging.

  Thank you so very much for supporting this project. It means so much to my students, and especially to me.”

  With gratitude,

  Mrs. Smith

  This classroom project was brought to life by The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and 4 other donors.

• Building Reading and Writing Skills through Biographies

  Funded Oct 25, 2017

  Thank you so very much for the wonderful books for our classroom. The students have had a little taste of them. They are excited about using them as they write their biographies and "become their character" in their wax museum next March.

  The picture on the front covers are colorful and inviting and the wording is suited to what a third grader is able to read and comprehend. It will surely make research much easier this year since all students will be able to have access to these books. They will have a broader range of people to choose from and be able to independently find facts and stories about someone from history. I am particularly excited to have so many female role models in my collection now, as this section was lacking from our school library.

  Education has changed so much in the time I have been teaching, but one thing remains the same. Children love books! Thank you so much for helping my students in their education.”

  With gratitude,

  Mrs. Smith

• iPad Technology to Engage Every Learner

  Funded Nov 10, 2016

  Thank you so very much for your donation. The stand for my iPad and also the more high tech stylus has helped me utilize my iPad and my SmartTV to the fullest.

  When I transitioned from the projector to the SmartTV, my document camera was unable to interface. I often need to show an assignment and help the students get started. I was told that my iPad can be a document camera as it already interfaces with the TV. I just needed a stand to stabilize the iPad.

  Now that I have this technology, it is simple to switch from programs on the iPad to document camera. I can also have students show their work using the stand.

  As for the stylus, it has helped me to communicate on my iPad with better and more clear handwriting.

  Thanks again! I appreciate your support to the education of children and specifically to my classroom.”

  With gratitude,

  Mrs. Smith

• Beautiful Butterflies

  Funded Oct 25, 2011

  Thank you so very much for funding our "Beautiful Butterflies" project. This was an art project which we also tied into our science core. We studied the life cycle of animals, specifically butterflies. Then, with the help of a real artist, we created beautiful 16" x 20" canvases with a huge butterfly on it. Each of our five second grade classes got to spend the entire day with our artist, where they learned several artistic techniques. In the end, each student has a masterpiece to take home and hang on their walls for years to come.

  We have done this project for several years now. At the end of the year, as I have the students write about the highlights of second grade, most students list the butterfly project near the top of the list. I often get former students visiting my class on butterfly day and telling me that they still have their butterfly hanging on the wall in their home. That tells me that this project lasts well beyond the one day with the artist.

  Again, I want to thank you on behalf of all the second grade teachers at our school. We are very appreciative of the canvasses which your generous donation purchased for us. It allowed us to offer this very valuable project to our students this year.”

  With gratitude,

  Mrs. Smith

• What's That? I Can't Hear Myself Read!

  Funded Dec 31, 2007

  Thank you so very much for helping fund my reading program. I am constantly trying to use new techniques to improve reading skills and once I heard about the "Toobaloo" I knew it would be a great tool to improve reading fluency. I appreciate your generosity in providing these tools to help children read.

  Sincerely,

  Gloria ”

  With gratitude,

  Mrs. Smith